Plastic Masters of the World Unite --
All images copyright Katie Argyle/Out of My Mind 1991-2017.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Shoe Trees near Kinmount, Ontario, Canada

A Shoe tree, not to be confused with the shoe-preservation device of the same name, is a tree(or, occasionally, a powerline pole or other wooden object)that has been festooned with old shoes. Shoe trees are generally located alongside a major local thoroughfare, and may have a theme(such as high-heeled shoes).There are currently at least seventy-six such shoe trees in the United States,and an undetermined number elsewhere.Source: Wikipedia

On our way to see Wayne Newton last week we passed by a group of shoe trees just out of Kinmount, Ontario. It was so great that we had to make a return trip so I could get some pictures. Around here where I live you see the odd pair of shoes tossed over hydro lines but nothing that I know of comes even close to this display. Two trees, and three fenceposts with shoes on them and a few on the overhead lines. I didn't have extra shoes to leave here, and the snow was up to my hips when I tried to get in for a close look. We'll be passing by here on our way to see Don Rickles at the end of May. I'll make sure to bring something to add to this display then.

These are up at the top of the tree, some tossed and some attached to the trunk.

I loved the flipper that was left in this tree. It's really held it's colour so I can't tell if it's an old addition or a new one.

Here's a few shoes climbing the trunk to get the sun.

This is the area of the trunk that is the easiest to reach from the ground. People seem to have extra running shoes more than any other type of shoe.

These are workboots and flipflops. From work to play. I can't imagine leaving workboots on a fencepost. Although it'd be great if the former owner never had to work again and left his boots here to mark that.

These were my favorites. A pair of bear slippers with the fake claws. I sometimes get this kind of novelty slipper. I always want them when I see them but once I have them, I rarely wear them. Too big and bulky. They look good on the post for the same reason. I totally understand sacrificing them.

Printmakers' Connective GalleryOttawa, OnSeptember 8 - November 3, 2016Scenes from a CarRelief prints depicting the view from the front seat, passenger side of a 2010 Mazda 3.50/50: Against the Grain: New Works on WoodKatie Argyle and Timothy HuntAugust 1 - September 28th, 2014Burr House Gallery, Richmond Hill, ON

Perfect City Outdoor Art Exhibit:Are We There Yet? 8'x10' painted construction site panelSeptember 15th to undecided date in 2014Enterprise Blvd at Birchmount RoadMarkham, ON

We've Created a Monster!Recent Work by Tim Hunt and Katie ArgyleLinda Street Gallery, Ottawa, ONAugust 2 - December 30th, 2013

February 8th, 2012 6-7pmOn the Deck: Meet the Artists in ResidenceFree monthly gathering for our community offering a chance to informally learn about the artists’ past work, current focus and plans for their residency.607 Ashe Street, Residency Cottage Deck, Key West, FlOttawa City Hall Galleries

April 22nd to June 12, 2011

Ottawa, ON

Place and Circumstance: New Additions to the City of Ottawa's Fine Art Collection